(no subject)
Amanda Wirth Wirth 1
Writing for College
23 December 2004
Ms. Taurassi/Mr. Gioconda
Cults: Why are Americans so Scared?
“I’m not suicidal...but I have no problem in laying down my shell or my body as they did that day. I don’t consider it suicide.” Wayne Cooke was a member of a recently emerging cult called Heaven’s Gate. Thirty-nine members, including his wife, were sacrificed in a ritual group suicide. “I was sorry that I didn’t die with the group…I wish I had the strength to have remained…to have stuck it out and gotten stronger and continued to be part of that group” (Branch 1 of 1). Cooke ended up killing himself in another ritual suicide. Heaven’s Gate is not the only cult that exists among us today. In order to understand cults, one must understand its definition. There are several different variations for the definition of the term ‘cult.’ In essence, a cult is a lifestyle. People tend to join cults during a time of social chaos or when dealing with a personal crisis. Young people, who are trying to find themselves, sometimes turn to the cult lifestyle. Those who join cults are looking for a place to belong. Seventy-five percent of all cult members are mentally healthy (Zeinert 17). However, people tend to lose their individuality and free thought after joining. Leaders, who are extremely intelligent, charming, and charismatic, can have a great effect on their peers. They can brainwash members and basically mold them into the followers they desire Joining a cult could be a death wish, not an escape from reality. However, could it be true that the public perception of cults is truly just a blur of the true meaning of being part of a cult.
Several different cults exist among us today. The first type examined is the apocalyptic
Wirth 2
(doomsday) cult. An apocalyptic cult foresees the appearance of its God, the end of the world, and the beginning of paradise on Earth. Various doomsday cults have emerged throughout time. An example would be the Jehovah’s Witnesses. They were founded in the 1870s by Charles Taze Russel, when he began to hold special Bible study classes. They have set dates periodically when the end of the world would occur: 1914, 1918, 1925, and 1975. When the 1975 expectation failed, membership dropped. The Witnesses currently have more than 900,000 members worldwide (Zeinert 28). Americans are very skeptical and hostile towards the Witnesses because of their intense religious beliefs. Shocking to Americans, group members do not celebrate any birthdays or holidays and refuse to salute the American flag. Saluting the flag could bring “eternal destruction.” Very acceptable activities to the average American are discouraged by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Perhaps this is why Americans fear them. They are different; and their ways are intimidating and frightening to Americans. Witnesses are so absorbed in their religious beliefs that they neglect other necessities of life.
Another apocalyptic cult, Christian Identity Groups, has taken steps to defend themselves against any and all evil forces set loose on doomsday. Christian Identity Groups believe that people of Anglo-Saxon, Scandinavian, and Germanic ancestry are descendants of the ancient tribes of Israel. This ancestry makes them God’s chosen people with whom a special covenant has been made; they will inherit the Earth. Beliefs of members vary from cult to cult, but they share several ideals. Most members believe that all but the children of Israel are inferior people, and some cult members have strong ties to the Ku Klux Klan and the American Nazi party. In addition, many Identity members believe that America is God’s chosen land for his chosen people, and they are armed and prepared to fight to make the United States an Identity homeland.
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The names of these cults reflect their idealism: Anglo-Saxon Federation of America, Christian-Patriots Defense League, Church of Jesus Christ Christian, Aryan Nations, Your Heritage, The Covenant, The Sword, and Arm of the Lord (Zeinert 31). An example of a destructive Christian Identity Group leader is Randy Weaver. Weaver, his wife, and his five children lived on Ruby Ridge in Idaho. He was keeping a supply of guns in his home. The purchases aroused an interest of the ATF, and they decided to search the Weaver home. During the search, there was a shoot out. Randy Weaver’s son, his wife, and his close friend died in the armed exchange. His wife was murdered with their infant in her arms (Zeinert 32). They needed to be sacrificed. Their cult life was in danger, right? What’s more important in life anyway - the cult or the family?
A well known apocalyptic cult, still an infamous case to this day, is the Charles Manson Family. The charismatic man had the ability to convince a large group of people that he was Christ. Although he had been accused of other crimes, it didn’t matter. The Family members clung to him. Manson believed that Heaven was located in a bottomless pit, the entrance of which was located somewhere in Death Valley, California (Zeinert 34). The Family was so committed to Manson that they were willing to kill for him on demand. Members were responsible for various deaths, including the famous actress Sharon Tate. The Manson Family case is so infamous because it was so publicized to the world that the cult became widely feared.
Another form of cult is the Utopian cult. Utopian cults are mostly religious. Their history can be traced back all the way to the 18th century. Well known examples include the Shakers and Mormons, who are both very religious and very hated. Utopian cults were known for their setups of isolated communes, which were looked upon in a negative manner. Since these communities are seldom in the public spotlight, attention usually focuses on bizarre or dangerous cults in the
Wirth 4
communal scene rather than the more peaceful ones (Gay 17). A more controversial example of a utopian cult was located in Jonestown, Guyana. Jim Jones, the leader of the cult “The People’s Temple,” began his legacy by opening his first church in 1953. His congregation was small and poor, so Jones sold pet monkeys door-to-door to raise money and pay the church’s rent (Zeinert 44). He urged his members to treat all races equally, which was not a popular mindset during this time. Jones was ridiculed for his beliefs. However, his congregation continued to grow. He operated soup kitchens and set up nursing homes. He took in prostitues and drug addicts and helped them turn their lives around. In 1977, his church was threatened by accusations of abuse and public humiliation within the church. To avoid the criticism, Jones moved his church to Jonestown. More than eight hundred followers were living there. It was said to be a “tropical paradise where people of all races lived side by side in perfect harmony” (Zeinert 46). In 1978, Jones led a group suicide that had been practiced more than forty times. Nine hundred and twelve members died (Zeinert 49). Babies were killed first. Mothers and fathers gave their children the poison, and then they downed it themselves. Jones promised an easy death. However, that was not the case. All members were in great pain as the poison took over their bodies and they slowly faded away. When members refused to partake, they were murdered. As Jim Jones watched the deaths, he was shot. Apparently, members believed that Jones was the Messiah. Therefore, they would do anything for him. Members were willing to commit suicide and kill others. They knew that heaven was waiting for them in the end.
Another type of cult is the voodoo cult. Voodoo cults believe in witchcraft and magic. One could associate voodoo cults with the Salem Witch Trials and the story of the Crucible. Abigail Williams, if one has read the book, could assume that she was part of a voodoo cult.
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Parts in which Abigail and her friends would dance around the woods around a fire would be considered practices of a voodoo cult. These cults were originated in the 15th century when the paranoia of witchcraft was alive and well. An example would be the Devil’s Servants, who were out to snatch Christian souls, therefore damning them to hell for all eternity (Zeinert 89). People were forced to confess their association with Satan. Witches were intolerable, and therefore had to be eliminated. Witches were readily executed. Another more public Voodoo cult would be Santeria. It was originated by slaves who worshipped their own gods. It is a mixture of Yoruba magical rites and traditions of the Catholic Church (Barghusen 18). Santeria practices include animal sacrifices during services. Santeria members worship orisha, or spirits, which descend during religious services. These spirits help members predict the future and therefore are eagerly sought after (Zeinert 97). Santeria members have a horrible image with the public, which will harm the growth of this cult. ‘Animal rights’ are the main issue with this group. If Americans can kill and eat a turkey for Thanksgiving, how come the members of Santeria can’t sacrifice a turkey religiously?
Another type of cult which has is viewed negatively from the average American would be the satanic cult. One could simply define members as Satan worshipers. They parody and defile Christianity, especially Catholicism (Barghusen 17). There are rumors that circulate about abuse within the satanic cults, but no accusations have been proven. Satanic cults began as a fad in the 14th century and now they are widely feared. Many people have come forth claiming that they have been abused by a satanic cult, including Michelle Smith and Maria Monk (Zeinert 105). Both are claims of child abuse. However, their accusations have not been proven. It is not fair to
Wirth 6
Assume that satanic cults are horrible entities. Their reputation is worse than reality.
Satanic cults should not be confused with The Church of Satan. They are two very different things. Satanic cults are devil worshippers. The Church of Satan members follow a leader, Anton LaVey, who created the cult in 1966. LaVey prohibits illegal activities in his church (Barghusen 17). He urges followers to do what comes naturally. If someone wrongs you, take vengeance. Being kind to everyone is a waste. He encourages people to live life to the fullest; take pleasure now. Don’t wait for a heaven that may never come (Zeinert 108). Is that how most Americans live their lives today? Why are people so afraid of Satanism? It seems like it’s followed by most Americans on a daily basis.
When reflecting on various types of cults and specific cults that have existed in each group, one can draw a conclusion. Each cult has its own beliefs and culture that it follows. Some are accepted and some are not by Americans. Cult members are in fact brainwashed by leaders and convinced to live a life that is based on a series of beliefs. In reality, a cult can be compared to more accepted organizations that exist today. Widely practiced religions such as Christianity and Judaism are cults. About 85% of people practice Christianity in the United States (Robinson 1 of 1). About 14 million Americans practice Judaism (Major Religions 1 of 1). These “cults” are not feared because people accept them and they’re the practiced norms of society. People tend to understand the practices of such religions. If people would gain knowledge about these other cults, they wouldn’t seem as frightening. Some concepts, such as group suicides and animal sacrifice, may seem unfathomable. To them, it’s unfathomable that we dedicate a holiday the murder and consumption of turkeys.
Wirth 7
Work Cited
Barghusen, Joane D. Cults. California: Lucent Books, Inc. 1998.
Branch, Craig. “Assisted Suicide or Murder?” 1997. The Watchman Expositor. 18 Dec. 2004.
< http://www.watchman.org/na/assist2.htm>
Gay, Kathlyn. Communes and Cults. New York: Twenty-First Century Books. 1997.
“Major Religions of the World.” 06 Sept. 2002. Adherents.com. 20 Dec. 2004.
< http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html>
Robinson, B.A. “Common Religious Misunderstandings.” 09 March 2000. ReligiousTolerance.org. 20 Dec. 2004.
< http://www.religioustolerance.org/mistakes.htm>
Zeinert, Karen. Cults. New Jersey: Enslow Publishers, Inc. 1997.
Writing for College
23 December 2004
Ms. Taurassi/Mr. Gioconda
Cults: Why are Americans so Scared?
“I’m not suicidal...but I have no problem in laying down my shell or my body as they did that day. I don’t consider it suicide.” Wayne Cooke was a member of a recently emerging cult called Heaven’s Gate. Thirty-nine members, including his wife, were sacrificed in a ritual group suicide. “I was sorry that I didn’t die with the group…I wish I had the strength to have remained…to have stuck it out and gotten stronger and continued to be part of that group” (Branch 1 of 1). Cooke ended up killing himself in another ritual suicide. Heaven’s Gate is not the only cult that exists among us today. In order to understand cults, one must understand its definition. There are several different variations for the definition of the term ‘cult.’ In essence, a cult is a lifestyle. People tend to join cults during a time of social chaos or when dealing with a personal crisis. Young people, who are trying to find themselves, sometimes turn to the cult lifestyle. Those who join cults are looking for a place to belong. Seventy-five percent of all cult members are mentally healthy (Zeinert 17). However, people tend to lose their individuality and free thought after joining. Leaders, who are extremely intelligent, charming, and charismatic, can have a great effect on their peers. They can brainwash members and basically mold them into the followers they desire Joining a cult could be a death wish, not an escape from reality. However, could it be true that the public perception of cults is truly just a blur of the true meaning of being part of a cult.
Several different cults exist among us today. The first type examined is the apocalyptic
Wirth 2
(doomsday) cult. An apocalyptic cult foresees the appearance of its God, the end of the world, and the beginning of paradise on Earth. Various doomsday cults have emerged throughout time. An example would be the Jehovah’s Witnesses. They were founded in the 1870s by Charles Taze Russel, when he began to hold special Bible study classes. They have set dates periodically when the end of the world would occur: 1914, 1918, 1925, and 1975. When the 1975 expectation failed, membership dropped. The Witnesses currently have more than 900,000 members worldwide (Zeinert 28). Americans are very skeptical and hostile towards the Witnesses because of their intense religious beliefs. Shocking to Americans, group members do not celebrate any birthdays or holidays and refuse to salute the American flag. Saluting the flag could bring “eternal destruction.” Very acceptable activities to the average American are discouraged by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Perhaps this is why Americans fear them. They are different; and their ways are intimidating and frightening to Americans. Witnesses are so absorbed in their religious beliefs that they neglect other necessities of life.
Another apocalyptic cult, Christian Identity Groups, has taken steps to defend themselves against any and all evil forces set loose on doomsday. Christian Identity Groups believe that people of Anglo-Saxon, Scandinavian, and Germanic ancestry are descendants of the ancient tribes of Israel. This ancestry makes them God’s chosen people with whom a special covenant has been made; they will inherit the Earth. Beliefs of members vary from cult to cult, but they share several ideals. Most members believe that all but the children of Israel are inferior people, and some cult members have strong ties to the Ku Klux Klan and the American Nazi party. In addition, many Identity members believe that America is God’s chosen land for his chosen people, and they are armed and prepared to fight to make the United States an Identity homeland.
Wirth 3
The names of these cults reflect their idealism: Anglo-Saxon Federation of America, Christian-Patriots Defense League, Church of Jesus Christ Christian, Aryan Nations, Your Heritage, The Covenant, The Sword, and Arm of the Lord (Zeinert 31). An example of a destructive Christian Identity Group leader is Randy Weaver. Weaver, his wife, and his five children lived on Ruby Ridge in Idaho. He was keeping a supply of guns in his home. The purchases aroused an interest of the ATF, and they decided to search the Weaver home. During the search, there was a shoot out. Randy Weaver’s son, his wife, and his close friend died in the armed exchange. His wife was murdered with their infant in her arms (Zeinert 32). They needed to be sacrificed. Their cult life was in danger, right? What’s more important in life anyway - the cult or the family?
A well known apocalyptic cult, still an infamous case to this day, is the Charles Manson Family. The charismatic man had the ability to convince a large group of people that he was Christ. Although he had been accused of other crimes, it didn’t matter. The Family members clung to him. Manson believed that Heaven was located in a bottomless pit, the entrance of which was located somewhere in Death Valley, California (Zeinert 34). The Family was so committed to Manson that they were willing to kill for him on demand. Members were responsible for various deaths, including the famous actress Sharon Tate. The Manson Family case is so infamous because it was so publicized to the world that the cult became widely feared.
Another form of cult is the Utopian cult. Utopian cults are mostly religious. Their history can be traced back all the way to the 18th century. Well known examples include the Shakers and Mormons, who are both very religious and very hated. Utopian cults were known for their setups of isolated communes, which were looked upon in a negative manner. Since these communities are seldom in the public spotlight, attention usually focuses on bizarre or dangerous cults in the
Wirth 4
communal scene rather than the more peaceful ones (Gay 17). A more controversial example of a utopian cult was located in Jonestown, Guyana. Jim Jones, the leader of the cult “The People’s Temple,” began his legacy by opening his first church in 1953. His congregation was small and poor, so Jones sold pet monkeys door-to-door to raise money and pay the church’s rent (Zeinert 44). He urged his members to treat all races equally, which was not a popular mindset during this time. Jones was ridiculed for his beliefs. However, his congregation continued to grow. He operated soup kitchens and set up nursing homes. He took in prostitues and drug addicts and helped them turn their lives around. In 1977, his church was threatened by accusations of abuse and public humiliation within the church. To avoid the criticism, Jones moved his church to Jonestown. More than eight hundred followers were living there. It was said to be a “tropical paradise where people of all races lived side by side in perfect harmony” (Zeinert 46). In 1978, Jones led a group suicide that had been practiced more than forty times. Nine hundred and twelve members died (Zeinert 49). Babies were killed first. Mothers and fathers gave their children the poison, and then they downed it themselves. Jones promised an easy death. However, that was not the case. All members were in great pain as the poison took over their bodies and they slowly faded away. When members refused to partake, they were murdered. As Jim Jones watched the deaths, he was shot. Apparently, members believed that Jones was the Messiah. Therefore, they would do anything for him. Members were willing to commit suicide and kill others. They knew that heaven was waiting for them in the end.
Another type of cult is the voodoo cult. Voodoo cults believe in witchcraft and magic. One could associate voodoo cults with the Salem Witch Trials and the story of the Crucible. Abigail Williams, if one has read the book, could assume that she was part of a voodoo cult.
Wirth 5
Parts in which Abigail and her friends would dance around the woods around a fire would be considered practices of a voodoo cult. These cults were originated in the 15th century when the paranoia of witchcraft was alive and well. An example would be the Devil’s Servants, who were out to snatch Christian souls, therefore damning them to hell for all eternity (Zeinert 89). People were forced to confess their association with Satan. Witches were intolerable, and therefore had to be eliminated. Witches were readily executed. Another more public Voodoo cult would be Santeria. It was originated by slaves who worshipped their own gods. It is a mixture of Yoruba magical rites and traditions of the Catholic Church (Barghusen 18). Santeria practices include animal sacrifices during services. Santeria members worship orisha, or spirits, which descend during religious services. These spirits help members predict the future and therefore are eagerly sought after (Zeinert 97). Santeria members have a horrible image with the public, which will harm the growth of this cult. ‘Animal rights’ are the main issue with this group. If Americans can kill and eat a turkey for Thanksgiving, how come the members of Santeria can’t sacrifice a turkey religiously?
Another type of cult which has is viewed negatively from the average American would be the satanic cult. One could simply define members as Satan worshipers. They parody and defile Christianity, especially Catholicism (Barghusen 17). There are rumors that circulate about abuse within the satanic cults, but no accusations have been proven. Satanic cults began as a fad in the 14th century and now they are widely feared. Many people have come forth claiming that they have been abused by a satanic cult, including Michelle Smith and Maria Monk (Zeinert 105). Both are claims of child abuse. However, their accusations have not been proven. It is not fair to
Wirth 6
Assume that satanic cults are horrible entities. Their reputation is worse than reality.
Satanic cults should not be confused with The Church of Satan. They are two very different things. Satanic cults are devil worshippers. The Church of Satan members follow a leader, Anton LaVey, who created the cult in 1966. LaVey prohibits illegal activities in his church (Barghusen 17). He urges followers to do what comes naturally. If someone wrongs you, take vengeance. Being kind to everyone is a waste. He encourages people to live life to the fullest; take pleasure now. Don’t wait for a heaven that may never come (Zeinert 108). Is that how most Americans live their lives today? Why are people so afraid of Satanism? It seems like it’s followed by most Americans on a daily basis.
When reflecting on various types of cults and specific cults that have existed in each group, one can draw a conclusion. Each cult has its own beliefs and culture that it follows. Some are accepted and some are not by Americans. Cult members are in fact brainwashed by leaders and convinced to live a life that is based on a series of beliefs. In reality, a cult can be compared to more accepted organizations that exist today. Widely practiced religions such as Christianity and Judaism are cults. About 85% of people practice Christianity in the United States (Robinson 1 of 1). About 14 million Americans practice Judaism (Major Religions 1 of 1). These “cults” are not feared because people accept them and they’re the practiced norms of society. People tend to understand the practices of such religions. If people would gain knowledge about these other cults, they wouldn’t seem as frightening. Some concepts, such as group suicides and animal sacrifice, may seem unfathomable. To them, it’s unfathomable that we dedicate a holiday the murder and consumption of turkeys.
Wirth 7
Work Cited
Barghusen, Joane D. Cults. California: Lucent Books, Inc. 1998.
Branch, Craig. “Assisted Suicide or Murder?” 1997. The Watchman Expositor. 18 Dec. 2004.
< http://www.watchman.org/na/assist2.htm>
Gay, Kathlyn. Communes and Cults. New York: Twenty-First Century Books. 1997.
“Major Religions of the World.” 06 Sept. 2002. Adherents.com. 20 Dec. 2004.
< http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html>
Robinson, B.A. “Common Religious Misunderstandings.” 09 March 2000. ReligiousTolerance.org. 20 Dec. 2004.
< http://www.religioustolerance.org/mistakes.htm>
Zeinert, Karen. Cults. New Jersey: Enslow Publishers, Inc. 1997.